31 Oktober 2017

NASAMS air defence system (photo : Kongsberg)KONGSBERG has signed a contract worth 77 MUSD with the Ministry of Defence of Indonesia to supply a NASAMS air defence system.The contract comprise delivery of a complete NASAMS system with command posts, radars, launchers, radios and integration, and training and logistics support. AMRAAM missiles will be provided in a separate government-to-government agreement between Indonesia and the United States.NASAMS defends high value civilian and military assets on the ground against air threats. The inherent flexibility and modularity of NASAMS makes it a world leading solution with unique capabilities to combat modern airborne threats, as well as having the ability to integrate with a variety of different sensors and weapons. Several nations have chosen NASAMS, including Norway, Finland, The Netherlands, USA, Spain, Oman and now Indonesia.“We are very pleased that Indonesia, as the first nation in its region, chooses NASAMS for its homeland defence. The continuous technical evolution and addition of users confirms that NASAMS is the most modern and advanced air defense system in the world,” says Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.(Kongsberg)

T38 Stiletto is a unique and extremely low-altitude air defense system (photo : Baodatviet, Tetraedr)

Vietnam has just visited the Republic of Belarus Tetraedr Research and Production Complex.This Belarusian defense enterprise is our close partner. In addition to the S-125-2TM modernization package, Tetraedr has continued to cooperate with Vietnam to upgrade many weapons systems under Soviet rule.Besides, it's possible that your side will also be offering us new advanced defense units built by Tetraedr. The T38 Stiletto mobile low-altitude air defense system developed by Tetraedr is the ultimate solution for low-level defense combat. This is a closed-loop weaponry designed to protect important ground targets against enemy air attacks.

T38 Stiletto eliminates the most advanced hi-tech guided missiles at medium and low altitudes with a radar reflective area (RCS) of only 0.03 m2, which independently performs the specified operation. Target, move, pause as well as rocket attacks after a short pause or from a fixed position.Tetraedr equips T38 with state-of-the-art digital hardware, including radar, computer-controlled firepower, and rocket guidance on a highly automated platform.Components of the T38 Stiletto system include the TARG (TELAR), T383, T384, and T385.The most important of these is the TELAR T381, mounted on the MZTK-69222T truck chassis, which carries eight missiles with four launchers on each side and a central fire control radar assisted by a photoelectric device. . Inside the car is an advanced navigation map, communication system, power supply and life support systems.

According to Tetraedr, the T38 has an effective target range of 20 km, which can strike at speeds of up to 900 m / s and a range of 25 to 10,000 m. Two-stage T382 solid-fuel missile with a speed of 850 m / s, withstand overload of up to 25G, with a heavy duty 18 kg warhead with special detonators.At present, military-technical cooperation between Vietnam and Belarus is developing more and more widely, in addition to upgrading the anti-aircraft missile system S-125-2TM, we also have you transfer technology for self-production Radar stealth aircraft RV-01/02.Based on the good relationship between the two sides, the T38 Stiletta mobile missile system can be considered as an optimal low-level air defense solution that Vietnam can take into account, especially when it is introduced by your side. Details about tactical features.(BaoDatViet)

AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars (photo : tutorial)Citing several sources, MaxDefense Philippines that has been providing credible information regarding the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said today that the AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe 3D Air Search Radars for BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) have arrived from United States.

The above mentioned Del Pilar-class frigates are former US Coast Guard Hamilton-class high-endurance cutter acquired through through US Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.“No schedule of installation was made available to MaxDefense yet, but it is possible that the installation will coincide with the installation of Mk.38 Mod.2/3 guns for the ships, 2 of which were delivered several months ago and was intended for BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15),” MaxDefense said.In December 2016, the US Department of Defense Security Cooperation Agency Department (US DSCA) said the US State Department has made a determination approving the said Foreign Military Sale.The US DSCA also delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on December 12, 2016.“The AN/SPS-77 Air Search Radars will be used to provide an enhanced ability to detect and track air contacts,” US DSCA said.It added that an Maritime Domain Awareness effective Philippine MDA capability strengthens its self-defense capabilities and supports regional stability and U.S. national interests.(Update)

Korea Tactical Surface to Surface Missile (KTSSM) at the ADEX 2017. (photos : Defence Blog)South Korea’s Hanwha Systems displayed its new tactical surface-to-surface missile, called KTSSM and known as artillery killer.The Korea Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile (KTSSM) is a new type of ballistic guided weapon system. The missile has a range of over 120 kilometres. The tactical ground-guided weapon, which was first publicly released this time, has four missiles in one fixed launch pad.

Four missiles are launched in succession. It is regarded as a powerful weapon system capable of neutralizing the enemy ‘s gunfire in the shortest time in the emergency.The KTSSM can penetrate underground targets with its powerful warhead. The new missiles can provide South Korea’s military with the capacity to destroy hardened artillery sites equipped with hundreds of long-range guns.(Defence Blog)

Rolldock Star carrying third Gepard missile frigate (photo : naval)According to an updated Maritimeraffic.com website, the Rolldock Star carrying the 3rd Gepard missile frigates was returned to the Cam Ranh port on 27 October.The Rolldock Star has now entered the Cam Ranh port as scheduled in preparation for the delivery of the 3rd Gepard missile frigates to the Vietnamese People's Navy.Thus, the 44-day journey begins on 13 September in Novorossiysk of the Rolldock Star with the task of carrying the 3rd Gepard missile frigates of the Vietnamese People's Navy has come to an end.The ship will soon be removed from the Rolldock Star and ready to join the navy fleet of the Vietnamese People's Navy.In November, it is expected that the remaining Gepard missile defense vessel in Russia's second pair will be returned to Vietnam.(Soha)

2018 Budget for Mindef (image : Mindef)The Malaysian government has announced that defence spending will increase by 5.3% under the 2018 budget. Total spending on the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will rise from MYR15.1 billion (USD3.6 billion) to MYR15.9 billion.Spending will decline marginally against GDP, remaining at a level of around 1.1, and as a share of overall government spending from 5.8% to 5.6%. Despite that, the MoD’s budget allocation is still around 7% lower than in 2015 following a large cut to military spending in 2016.The additional funding will be allocated within the recurrent budget which incorporates the operating costs of the MoD and the armed forces, with related spending rising by 7.6% from MYR11.7 billion to MYR12.6 billion. (Jane's)Budget 2018 Allocations Enhances MAF's Capabilities - Armed Forces ChiefKUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- The RM14-billion allocation to the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) in Budget 2018 will enhance the capabilities of the MAF in guarding the sovereignty and security of the country including at the border areas and national waters.MAF Chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor said the allocation would reflect the duties borne by the MAF in preserving the sovereignty of the country.He was commenting on the allocation announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak when tabling Budget 2018 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Meanwhile, Army Chief General Tan Sri Zulkiple Kassim said a part of the allocation would be used to upgrade and equip the assets of the Gerak Khas Group commando team and to install more guard posts along the Sabah and Sarawak borders.

Navy Chief Admiral Tan Sri Ahmad Kamarulzaman Ahmad Badaruddin said the allocation would allow the navy to improve the capability of its littoral combat ships with sophisticated weapons."This will enhance maritime safety especially in the Strait of Melaka, the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea," he said. (Bernama)ESSCom Allocation Shows Goverment's Concern For Sabah SecurityLAHAD DATU (Bernama) -- The RM250 million allocation given to the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) in the 2018 Budget shows the federal government's emphasis on Sabah's security, especially those in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).Lahad Datu residents expressed gratitude over the announcement as it showed the government's concern for the people's security.

Housewife, Rohana Ajri, 38, said the allocation could be spent by ESSCom to strengthen security in the waters."The allocation can strengthen the role of ESSCom in monitoring the ESSZone waters, thus curbing cross-border crimes, including smuggling," she told Bernama here today.The 2018 Budget tabled by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak today, allocated RM250 million to ESSCom to enhance security controls at Sabah and Sarawak borders, including RM50 million for coastal surveillance radar. (Bernama)

MMEA appreciative of RM900 million allocationPUTRAJAYA: Director-general of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) Admiral Datuk Zulkifili Abu Bakar has thanked the government for the RM900 million allocation to the agency, as announced in the 2018 Budget today.Zulkifli said the allocation will be used for the agency’s development and management expenditure for next year.“I am grateful to the government for this allocation. (Of the) total, RM490 million will be used to fund boat and ship maintenance, (and for) patrol ships currently being constructed.“In this budget, the MMEA, as one of the security forces together with the armed forces and police, has greater and important responsibilities in safeguarding the security, sovereignty and well-being of the people and the country.“As the national maritime enforcement agency, the MMEA is always committed and responsible in ensuring that the country’s waters are safe and under control,” Zulkifli said in a statement.Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak today announced that the government has allocated RM14 billion for the armed forces – including almost RM9 billion to the police and RM900 million to the MMEA – in its 2018 Budget. (NewStraitsTimes)

27 Oktober 2017

The pump jet propulsion system (image : Naval Group)Naval Group has confirmed that it is committed to delivering “a regionally superior and sovereign” submarine capability for Australia.The company stated that Future Submarine design work continues to include the pump jet propulsion system that was proposed during the Competitive Evaluation Process and remains on offer to Australia, which had been in doubt.According to Naval Group, the use of pump jet propulsion would mean that the Future Submarine could move more quietly than submarines with “obsolete” propeller technology.The program is progressing through concept design on schedule, the company said, including work to establish the length, diameter and displacement of the submarine.“The design of Australia’s Future Submarines will draw on the best of French submarine design and technology to meet Australia’s submarine capability requirements, which include superior stealth,” Naval Group stated.“The Future Submarine design will also benefit from the development of the French Barracuda [nuclear attack] submarine, which remains the reference point for Australia’s Future Submarine, and from Naval Group’s extensive experience in conventional submarine technologies.”(ADBR)

The RSN's Independence-class LMV RSS Independence (back) in close support, as the Police Coast Guard (PCG)'s PK-class High Speed Interceptors (left and right) intercept an infiltrating speedboat (centre) at Ex Highcrest 2017. (photos : Sing Mindef)National Agencies and Public Systems Tested in Maritime Security ExerciseSenior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman visited Exercise Highcrest 17 this morning and witnessed the capabilities of the Singapore Maritime Crisis Centre (SMCC) to counter terrorist threats from the sea. Held from 19 to 26 October 2017, the exercise involved about 300 personnel from 14 national agencies, including the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Customs (SC), and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). The exercise tested these agencies on a range of maritime terrorism scenarios, including an infiltration from sea, and a chemical attack on board a ferry.

During the visit, SMCC's Director of National Maritime Sense-making Group, Colonel Nicholas Lim, updated Dr Maliki on how the SMCC achieves timely identification of threats through its suite of surveillance, sense-making and data analytics capabilities. Dr Maliki also observed the RSN's Independence-class Littoral Mission Vessel and the Police Coast Guard's PT-class Patrol Interdiction Boat and PK-class High Speed Interceptors working together to prevent an infiltration attempt by terrorists via speedboats. The demonstration also showcased how a report through the SGSecure App was used to corroborate the presence of a terror threat, and the deployment of the SPF's Coastal Hardening Strike Force in apprehending the perpetrators.

Also present at the exercise visit were Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong as well as representatives of the Homefront Crisis Executive Group (Maritime Security).(Sing Mindef)

HMNZS Te Mana, HMNZS Te Kaha & HMAS Parmatta (F154) (photo : DID)The Future Surface Combatant project is being established to identify options for the replacement of the RNZN’s ANZAC frigates HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana. Cross-decking FSU systems to a new platform is one option being studied.The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) is looking to formally establish a project next year to examine options for a Future Surface Combatant (FSC) capability to replace the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN’s) two ANZAC frigates HMNZS Te Kaha and HMNZS Te Mana post-2030.Writing in the RNZN’s house magazine Navy Today , Captain Andrew Watts, Lead FSC project in the NZDF’s Capability Branch, said that a number of preliminary workstreams were already underway to inform government understanding on options for naval combat capability.(Jane's)

This is one of the two Beechcraft TC-90 training aircraft that Japan's Ministry of Defense is giving to the Philippine military (photo : Nikkei)TOKYO -- Japan will give five military training aircraft to the Philippines at the end of March 2018 to help bolster the Southeast Asian country's ability to protect its coast, Japan's Ministry of Defense said Wednesday. The deal follows a change in Japanese law during the last ordinary session of parliament that paved the way for donating secondhand defense equipment to developing countries. In addition to two TC-90 planes currently on lease to the Philippines, three more that were scheduled to be leased from next March will also be handed over for free.The Philippines approached Japan with a request to switch from a leasing arrangement to one where it would acquire the naval planes free of charge, according to Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency. Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana agreed to the deal during talks on Monday at the Clark Freeport Zone, an economic zone northwest of Manila.Japan hopes that the donation of the five planes will enhance the Philippines' ability to protect its waters and help the country better deal with Chinese efforts to build military facilities in the South China Sea.In September 2016, Tokyo and Manila agreed to the original TC-90 deal that saw Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force lease two aircraft to the Philippines for a year starting in March.(Nikkei)